Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced he is co-sponsoring legislation to reform the state’s School Tax Relief (STAR) program to fix changes made last year and remove barriers to prompt tax relief (A.5969).

“North Country families were hurt by the changes to the STAR program,” Jones said. “They were promised rebates by the end of September, but many still haven’t received their checks. We can’t allow this harmful, inefficient system to continue, which is why I’m sponsoring legislation to repeal these changes.”

Before changes were made to STAR last year, all homeowners received a yearly upfront reduction in their school tax bill. Now, new homeowners and those who moved to a different home have to pay a higher bill and then register for a rebate check from the state. Although the benefit amount is the same, the new system has been incredibly inconvenient for affected homeowners, noted Jones.

Numerous constituents have reached out to Jones because they still haven’t received their checks, which were due five months ago. Many are senior citizens in the Enhanced STAR program. The legislation Jones co-sponsored reverses last year’s changes and transitions the program back to the way it was, providing all homeowners with their deserved tax relief upfront as a reduction in their school tax bill.

Administration of the program would also be returned to the hands of local assessors, and further, the bill requires the state to help localities in notifying residents of these new changes so that all qualified homeowners receive the exemption. It would also give homeowners who have not registered with the state for the STAR credit at least 60 days to apply for the exemption for the coming school year.

“This complicated rebate system has created a headache for our seniors and hardworking families. The North Country deserves better,” Jones said. “Returning to the exemption program will make sure that tax relief is provided upfront, and homeowners won’t be left in limbo for months again.”